NYC Hotels with balconies

I'm going up to nyc for a few days in December. I want to want to wake up in the morning with a cup of coffee, a smoke, and watch the big Apple in action. Trying to find a hotel with a balcony has become a pain in the ass. I don't need the classiest hotel, I just want a decent room that has a balcony and a good view of the city. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Here you are....

NYC Hotels with balconies

Probably should have reserved a year ago.

Gotta be careful in how you book, Blue--just because a hotel has rooms with balconies doesn't mean you're going to get one. Book directly with the hotel, using their local number (not an 800 number) and specifically tell them you want a balcony room with a good view (not one with a view of the building or alley next door). Do not book with Expedia, Travelocity or another booking site--the hotel is not bound to honor any special requests you made with another booking agent.

TB, you are exactly right. Book directly with the hotel.

Mid-town would seem to offer an abundance of choices.

Thanks for the advice TB and Oli. My friend is giving me his apartment in Brooklyn since he'll be gone.

Can anyone recommend a good rooftop bar/ restaurant? Or are they all the same?

Since I won't have a ride from the airport, would I better off flagging a taxi down or arranging transportation from LaGuardia to Brooklyn?

The best roof top bar in Brooklyn is William Vale, pricey but the the view is worth it.

Have a drink in Rockefeller Center for the best views of Manhattan. It's a fortune, and there's usually a line to get in, but one look out the window is worth the price and the hassle.
https://www.rockefellercenter.com/food-and-drink/sixtyfive/

The Beekman Towers on 49th st and 1st ave is nice too.

Thank you very much. I know how to use Google. I needed some insight. There's a million hotels and there's even more websites trying to sell an experience. So I appreciate those of you who have made recommendations. The William Vale place is within walking distance from where I'm staying. The bar'65 is how I picture a classy nyc bar. Last time I was in nyc I had a few gin n tonics at the Hudson hotel bar. I liked the billiard parlor better than the other side. It was more reserved.

There used to be a bar in the Ritz Carlton Battery Park that had great views of the river and Statue of Liberty, but I'm not sure it's still there. Gorgeous hotel. We stayed there for my husband's 40th and it was worth every penny.

Also, if you decide to go to Chinatown, eat at WoHop. Basement is a bit scary. Eat upstairs if you can. There's really not much of Little Italy left, but there are a few restaurants that are still good. In the theater district, one of the best buys in Manhattan is the pasta dinner at Becco, which is owned by Lidia Bastianich. All the food is good, but who can beat unlimited pasta?? Only suggestion is if you are not going before a show, go later because it's usually swamped pre-theater time. http://becco-nyc.com/menus/#dinner

We ate at Felidia, another Lidia Bastianich restaurant in Midtown, a couple of months ago. Great, but pricey.

Fifty NYC, on 50th street by third ave has Terrace rooms.

I might be the only poster here who actually works in a hotel.

For a restaurant with an interesting view, try The View in the Marriott Marquis. It rotates.